Chemist- Technical Assistant

Requisition Id14584

Overview:

We are seeking a Technical Assistant Staff Member who will be responsible for a variety of technical projects under standard procedures and ORNL mission applications. Such applications include environmental stewardship programs, research under nuclear fuel cycles programs, and chemical operations associated with the production and purification of radioisotopes. This position resides in the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section's Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The ideal candidate will work closely with other technical staff members at the bench and develop expertise using standard equipment while performing a range of technical services. Daily tasks will focus primarily on labware preparation, digestions using hot plates/microwaves, dissolutions, chemical separations, sample preparation for radiochemical or inorganic inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry assays, material conversion, data collection, documentation, and report generation. In general, the sample streams are unique and varied in nature, the candidate should not expect to perform the same task daily. In addition, this position will require the candidate to use their previous knowledge to apply solutions to different materials. Your work will contribute to advancement of material characterizations for trace and ultra-trace materials analysis. The candidate should have some familiarity with inorganic mass spectrometry sample preparation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform sample preparations and chemical separations for radiochemical determinations of nuclear materials.
• Work with staff to perform laboratory tests as needed to assist in developing, modifying, and refining operational and/or experimental procedures.
• Support detailed analytical operations in C-zoned laboratories and radiochemical hoods and gloveboxes.
• Obtain and maintain all ORNL training requirements for a radiation worker performing analytical work in radiological facilities to include being qualified as a respirator wearer.
• Utilize Windows based personal computers, instrumentation operation, data reporting, analytical calculations, and sample management.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Lead by example according to ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL's ESH&Q policies, standards, and procedures.
• Enhance the group's reputation and standing through collaboration, Professional Society leadership, and organizing technical events.
• Maintain effective communication about scientific efforts both internally and externally, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with staff to address novel and complex technical issues.
• Conduct laboratory tests to develop, modify, and refine operational and experimental procedures.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BSdegree in chemistry, biology, physics or closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 1 year of analytical laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with sample preparation, storage, and handling.
• Experience working in a radiological environment and handling radioactive materials.
• Experience working in an applied analysis environment.
• Experience working in ISO-compliant laboratory setting.
• Experience executing data analyses and review under standard operating procedures.
• Experience reading standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge or experience of alpha spectrometry or mass spectrometry.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced analytical environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.